York to Chivenor for VIA

12 Marathons in 12 Days

On Tuesday 30th May, Justin Rowe, watch manager with red watch Malton & ex Commando Engineer and Terrance Gregg a firefighter with white watch York & ex soldier) will set off from York Fire Station and run 296 miles – 12 marathons pulling a specially adapted trailer kindly supplied by Burley, Oregon USA, carrying there personnel kit. They plan to arrive on Saturday 11th June at Royal Marine Base, Chivenor, North Devon, the home of Justin’s former unit 24 Commando Engineer Regiment.

The run will also be Justin’s 20th year of running and fundraising in the UK & USA His first fundraising run was during 1997 from Blackpool to Scarborough carrying a bag of coal raising money for the RNLI.

Both former soldiers and firefighters have been given logistical support along the 296 mile route (food & accommodation) from the following Services; Derbyshire, West Midlands, Gloucestershire and Avon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service.

All money raised during the run will go to Veterans In Action (VIA), supporting military veterans with PTSD and to help stop the stigma of those suffering from mental health issues.

Justin stated:

“I visited the Veterans In Action ALIVE Centre last summer in Andover, Hampshire and witnessed the great work they carry out“.

“I’m hoping to be running for another 20 yrs as I am in the early planning stage to run from Bar Harbour, Maine to Key West, Florida during April 2019. I will be following the 2.535 Atlantic Coast Cycle Path USA, it should take me 105 days and I will be unsupported pulling the Burley Nomad trailer. I will be raising money for Allied Forces Foundation USA supporting severely injured military veterans on both sides of the Atlantic.

Veterans In Action would like to thank Justin and Terrance for undertaking this huge challenge to raise awareness and funds for those who have served and suffered due to their service, their efforts are gratefully appreciated by all at VIA.